Seven No-Nonsense Lessons for Nurses and EMS Providers to Get Your Sh!t Together
As a nurse or EMS provider, chaos is your constant companion—grueling shifts, urgent patient needs, and the endless juggle of personal and professional demands. I’ve been there, buried under to-do lists and feeling perpetually behind. But I found seven no-nonsense strategies that helped me take back control, and they’re built for the high-pressure world of healthcare. These aren’t fluffy affirmations—they’re real, actionable tools to help you thrive in your job and life. Here’s how to get your sh!t together, starting today.
1. Stop Giving a F*ck About What Doesn’t Matter
In healthcare, we’re bombarded with demands—charting, meetings, family expectations, and the pressure to “do it all.” The first lesson is about radical prioritization: figure out what actually deserves your energy. For nurses and EMS providers, this might mean saying no to extra shifts that burn you out or letting go of guilt over not volunteering for every committee. Take 10 minutes this week to list your commitments. Which ones align with your values or career goals? Which ones are just “shoulds” you’ve been conditioned to accept? Protect your energy for what moves your life forward—whether it’s patient care, your family, or your own mental health.
2. Master the Art of “Strategic Negativity”
We’re often told to “stay positive,” but pretending everything’s fine when you’re drowning in stress is a recipe for burnout. Strategic negativity means naming what’s not working so you can fix it. Hate your chaotic mornings before a shift? Plan your bag and uniform the night before. Frustrated by constant interruptions during charting? Block off 20 minutes in a quiet corner to focus. A nurse I know used this to address her financial stress—she identified overspending on takeout as a pain point and set up a weekly meal prep system. Be honest about what’s draining you, then make a targeted plan to tackle it.
3. Transform Anxiety into Action
Anxiety is a constant companion in healthcare—worrying about patients, certifications, or work-life balance can keep you up at night. The solution? Channel that nervous energy into action. Break overwhelming problems into three categories: what you can control, what you can influence, and what’s out of your hands. For example, instead of stressing about “I’m always exhausted,” control what you can: “I’ll schedule a 15-minute nap during my break” or “I’ll research one stress-management app tonight.” Let go of what you can’t control, like a difficult coworker’s attitude. This approach turns vague worries into manageable steps, giving you back a sense of agency.
4. Embrace “The Power of Negative Thinking”
In EMS and nursing, we’re trained to anticipate worst-case scenarios for patients—apply that same defensive pessimism to your life. This is the power of negative thinking: planning for what could go wrong to prevent disaster. Heading into a brutal 12-hour shift? Pack extra snacks and a change of socks in case things go sideways. Worried about missing a certification deadline? Set a calendar reminder and a backup alarm a week earlier. By thinking through potential obstacles—like a delayed ambulance or a crashed EMR system—you’ll have a plan B ready, reducing stress when the inevitable happens.
5. Harness the “Must-Do Method”
Your to-do list is probably a mile long, but not everything is urgent. The Must-Do Method forces you to focus on one to three non-negotiable tasks each day—things that will cause real consequences if ignored. For a nurse, this might be “Finish charting for my last three patients” or “Call the pharmacy about that medication error.” For an EMS provider, it could be “Inspect my rig before shift” or “Submit my CE credits.” Write these must-dos down every morning and tackle them first, before getting sidetracked by emails or less critical tasks. This builds momentum and ensures the big stuff gets done.
6. Create “Systems, Not Goals”
Goals like “I want to avoid burnout” or “I’ll save for a vacation” sound great but often fizzle without structure. Instead, focus on systems—small, repeatable actions that make progress automatic. Instead of “I’ll get healthier,” create a system: “I’ll pack a protein bar and water for every shift to avoid vending machine binges.” Instead of “I’ll save money,” set up an auto-transfer of $20 to savings every payday. A paramedic friend of mine started a system of doing 10 push-ups before every shift to build strength without needing a gym. Design systems that fit your chaotic schedule, and watch progress stack up.
7. Commit to “Half-Assing with Excellence”
Perfectionism is a trap we fall into—every chart must be flawless, every patient interaction polished. But “half-assing with excellence” is a game-changer. Decide what deserves your A-game (like a critical patient handoff) and what can be “good enough” (like a quick email to a supervisor). A nurse I know stopped rewriting her shift notes obsessively and instead focused her energy on patient education, which mattered more to her. By lowering the bar strategically, you’ll get more done without sacrificing quality where it counts. Done is better than perfect.
Why This Matters for Nurses and EMS Providers
Your job is relentless—high stakes, high stress, and high impact. These strategies aren’t about becoming a superhero; they’re about working smarter to survive and thrive in this demanding field. They’ve helped me cut through the noise, prioritize my well-being, and take charge of my time. Whether you’re a new CNA or a veteran EMT, start with one strategy that clicks—maybe it’s tackling a must-do task tomorrow or setting up a small system for next week. Small changes lead to big results, and you’ve got the strength to make it happen.
Take care of yourselves,
Bryan, aka The Humbled Medic